Taking a generalized look at the 2012 recruiting class, Irish fans should look at two categories more than others. How did the Irish fill needs and what was the quality of each player signed?
Filling Needs
With several positions needing added depth and even recruits with the chance to play from game one, this category deserves special attention. Consider the following: few if any team complemented their 2011 quarterback recruiting better than Notre Dame. In my opinion, each recruiting class should be graded by various averages based on position importance, with the quarterback position being the landslide no. 1 (33% of a classes grade by my estimation). Thus, Notre Dame did quote well at quarterback with Gunner Kiel.
Kiel will be throwing to some outstanding wide receiver targets, led by Deontay Greenberry. I expect Greenberry to start for Notre Dame next fall. He makes play after play. No reason to believe his performance will not continue at the college level. Running back improved with Will Mahone joining the roster, and Amir Carlisle will be a great addition once 2013 arrives. KeiVarae Russell could be a spark at running back or receiver.
Blocking for the skill position players will come from Mark Harrell and Ronnie Stanley. Much like with quarterback, these two players add to the talents of the previous class. The one downside would be numbers. Only two offensive linemen in a recruiting class applies pressure to the Irish coaching staff to sign at least five high quality (no projects) offensive linemen next year. Due to the propensity for linemen to be busts, Notre Dame will need numbers next year. The quality is excellent for 2011 and now 2012. Let us not forget that Jordan Prestwood transferred in last summer. He certainly helps.
Defensively, Sheldon Day and Jarron Jones bring size and aggressiveness to Notre Dame. The Irish needed a defensive attitude adjustment and the transition began to takelace the past two seasons. To finalize that transition, more players that play with the heart of Day will be welcomed with open arms. To appreciate his effort, a person needs to watch him play live. His effort will be infectious. Jones makes plays with size and strength that cannot be caught by technique alone. He will be a great fit as strong side defensive end in the 3-4 (Saban really wanted Jones).
The biggest impact should be felt at cornerback with the addition of Tee Shepard. Like his cousin, he should start next fall. Beyond his talent, Shepard's swagger will help the Irish defense more than many people could ever comprehend. Notre Dame utilized the talents of too many nice guys during the past twenty years. Shepard brings an attitude of "Time to dominate" judged by his body language. He could start from game one. Shepard possesses the most physical skill of any Notre Dame defensive back recruit since Bobby Taylor (came to Notre Dame in 1992). Yes, truly he does. Of course it appears that Notre fell short with numbers at cornerback. That's the definitive failure from this class, barring a shocker tomorrow by Brian Poole announcing for Notre Dame over Florida (I would be shocked anyway).
Quality
Notre Dame did not sign a single player that I feel could not help the program in some way. Ten years ago there were always a few recruits that I just knew had no business signing with Notre Dame. No totally wasted scholarships! What a concept! Now, Notre Dame still needs a few more blue chippers to reach the pinnacle of college football, but this class provides a balance with the class of 2011, with excellent quarterback options, several talented skill position players, more size and athleticism along the offensive and defensive line, and much needed aggressiveness and swagger.
As a whole, this is pretty good recruiting class. Irish fans should be happy. Notre Dame needs a class similar to the 2011 class (talent along the lines and cornerback) to finalize its roster to be a continual BCS team.
